What does it take to be a psychotherapist

The education needed to be a psychotherapist is normally a master's degree. Psychotherapists usually study social work, psychology or mental health counseling. 55% of psychotherapists hold a master's degree and 37% hold a bachelor's degree. We found these by analyzing 5,979 psychotherapist resumes to investigate the topic of psychotherapist education more precisely.

The most common colleges for students to pursue their goal of becoming a psychotherapist are New York University and Adelphi University. We also broke down what colleges provide the best overall education for a psychotherapist. Students have a great path to earning their psychotherapist qualifications at the following schools:

  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Pennsylvania State University
  3. Northwestern University

If you're interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for psychotherapists - Hunter College of the City University of New York is an excellent option for you. If your SAT or ACT score aren't as high as you'd like, you can look at Mount Saint Mary's University, as the admission requirements aren't too selective. On the other end of that spectrum are the Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania.

For those who would rather stay in your pajamas during the day, we prepared some online courses that can help in psychotherapist education paths.

We prepared a list of a psychotherapist certifications that you should consider. The necessary certifications that psychotherapists must have to succeed are Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) and Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS).

What Degree Should I Get to Become a Psychotherapist ?

The most common degree for psychotherapists is master's degree 55% of psychotherapists earn that degree. A close second is bachelor's degree with 37% and rounding it off is doctoral degree with 4%.

What Should I Major in to Become a Psychotherapist ?

Most psychotherapists, 28% to be exact, major in social work. Some other common majors for a psychotherapist include psychology and mental health counseling majors.

Check Jobs That Match To Your Education

Most Common Colleges for Psychotherapist

Here are the most common colleges for a psychotherapist career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in New York University, Adelphi University, and Fordham University .

New York University

Adelphi University

Fordham University

Temple University

Boston University

Show More

Average Psychotherapist Salary by Education Level

Psychotherapists with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $65,948 annually. With a Masters degree, psychotherapists earn a median annual income of $53,089.

Master's Degree

Doctorate Degree

$0

$14,000

$28,000

$42,000

$56,000

$70,000

Psychotherapist JOBS

10 Best Universities For Psychotherapists

In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for psychotherapists. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs. non-working students 10 years after admission, average cost of attendance and median debt for graduates.

What does it take to be a psychotherapist

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

2. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

6. University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, MD • Private

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

8. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

9. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

20 Best Online Courses for Psychotherapists

Sometimes things are just better when you get to stay in your pajamas all day. That includes school. We found top courses for psychotherapists from Udemy, Coursera, EDX, and ed2go that will help you advance in your career. Here are essential skills you need to be a psychotherapist:

  • Group therapy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Mental health
If you want to improve psychotherapists skills these courses could help you in this.

Advanced Training for Trauma Treatment of Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders ACCREDITE

ACCREDITED CERTIFIED course on CBT, Therapy and Counselling for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, work home...

Become Psychotherapist & Open Practice - ACCREDITED CERT

Learn about psychotherapy and counselling, approaches and types, working from home, open your own business & marketing...

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Advanced Level -ACCREDITED CERT

Learn about Psychology, counselling and therapy; how psychotherapy works; Freud and his followers, psychoanalysis & more...

Treating PTSD, Trauma & Phobias With The Rewind Technique

Learn to treat phobias, PTSD & trauma underlying many problems (depression, anxiety, addictions) often in one session...

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Mindfulness

Learn Skills to Live One Mindfully and Begin your DBT Journey...

CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches

Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...

Existential Therapy, Psychotherapy & Counselling

Helping Individuals to Live Meaningful, Free & Authentic Lives...

Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders

This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e, marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseas...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Associate Life Coach

CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Life Coaching Associate Coach Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching...

Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...

EMDR Therapy and PTSD

An Introduction to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Neuropsychology of PTSD...

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE

Counselling and psychology approaches, theoretical knowledge and practice for counsellors to be, work from home / online...

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Practitioner ACCREDITED

Combining Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy to create Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT for short - join now!...

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Course 101...

CBT for Depression, Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks...

Colour Therapy Practitioner Certification

Learn to use the power of colour to promote health and wellbeing...

Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner Training

Become a Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner and elevate your understanding of human behaviour...

Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course

Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...

Best Psychotherapist Certifications in 2022

1. Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP)

A Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is a clinical mental health professional who meets internationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A CGP is an ethical practitioner who is an expert in group psychotherapy and is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality. The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists offers this certification in group therapy for practicing clinicians.

A Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is a clinical mental health professional who meets internationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A CGP is an ethical practitioner who is an expert in group psychotherapy and is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality. The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists offers this certification in group therapy for practicing clinicians.

  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)

  • Therapist

Details

3. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is an established certification board that has provided a respected credential to over three thousand of your colleagues. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is unique in providing certification and networking opportunities to professionals from all mental health and medical disciplines who meet the Board's standards. Six certification categories are provided: 1) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). 2) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public Service (NBCCH-PS). 3) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCDCH). 4) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCDCH-PS). 5) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCFCH). 6) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCFCH-PS).

The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is an established certification board that has provided a respected credential to over three thousand of your colleagues. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is unique in providing certification and networking opportunities to professionals from all mental health and medical disciplines who meet the Board's standards. Six certification categories are provided: 1) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). 2) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public Service (NBCCH-PS). 3) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCDCH). 4) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCDCH-PS). 5) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCFCH). 6) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCFCH-PS).

  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No

  • Clinical Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Therapist

Details

Entry Level Jobs For Becoming A Psychotherapist

Top 10 Affordable Universities For Psychotherapists

If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for psychotherapists.

1. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$13,998

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$21,034

3. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$14,046

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$18,306

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$18,136

6. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$16,714

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$17,645

8. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$21,623

9. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$13,991

10. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

Cost of Attendance Cost of attendance is the estimated annual cost of attending a particular college or university. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

$14,469

Top 10 Hardest Universities To Get Into For Psychotherapists

Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

2. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

5. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

6. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

8. New York University

New York, NY • Private

9. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

10. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Top 10 Easier To Apply Universities For Psychotherapists

Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

3. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

4. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

5. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

6. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

7. The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX • Private

8. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

9. Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX • Private

10. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Psychotherapist Internship Jobs

Psychotherapist Jobs

How many years does it take to be a psychotherapist?

Becoming a therapist takes at least eight years. Therapists need to earn bachelor's and master's degrees and complete clinical hours before becoming licensed.

Do psychotherapists make good money?

The average base salary for a psychotherapist in the United States is $62,841 per year . However, several factors can influence how much a psychotherapist makes on an annual basis. Common factors affecting salary include the setting where a psychotherapist works, education and experience, and geographical location.

What's the difference between a psychotherapist and a therapist?

A psychotherapist includes all professionals who deal with mental health problems or emotional issues, whereas a therapist provides therapy solutions in various fields. A psychotherapist is a broader term that includes all professionals who deal with the management of mental health problems or emotional issues.

Is a psychotherapist like a psychologist?

A psychotherapist may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional, who has had further specialist training in psychotherapy. Increasingly, there are a number of psychotherapists who do not have backgrounds in the above fields, but who have undertaken in-depth training in this area.